Samuel b



(No Model.)

I B. ULM.

' THILL COUPLING.

Patn ted Jan. 8, 1 884.

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.-

SAMUEL B. ULM, OF ASHVILLE, OHIO, ASSIGNOR OF ONE-HALF TO CHARLES STEWARD, OF SAME PLACE.

TH LfL-COUPL-INGi.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 291,552, dated January 8, 1884.

Application filed June 28, 1883. (N model.)

To aZZ whom it may concern:

ive coupling, with an elliptic bolt and washers, so arranged as to hold the shafts or pole securely in place and prevent rattling of the parts. I I attain these objects by the mechanism illustrated in the accompanying drawings,

in which-- Figure 1 is a side elevation of my coupling device, showing a section of locking-bolt in position for coupling. Fig. 2 is a similar view, showing a transverse section of the lockingbolt and thill-iron as connected. Fig. 3 is a plan view of my thill-coupling. Fig. 4 represents two sides of the elliptic bolt.

Similar letters refer to similar parts throughout the several views.

A represents a metal extension of anaxleclip, E. a

D represents the forked inner end of the thill-iron, secured to the shafts or pole of a vehicle in the usualmanner. Said thill-ironterminates at its rear end in two parallel metal extensions or arms, (1 d. These arms are provided with a hole, made circular at the central portion, d to allow for the passage of the threaded end of the bolt 0, and elliptical in the direction of the length of the arms cl, for the passage of the elliptical portions of the body of the bolt. The threaded end of said bolt is passed first through the arm cl, and two washers, e e, of leather, rubber, or other yielding and sound-deadening substance, are slipped over the end and upon the elliptical body of the bolt. The latter is then pushed through the arm cl, and the nut c placed upon the threaded end of the bolt. As above stated, the body of the bolt is elliptic-shaped or flattened, and is provided with a flanged head, 0, which rests against the outer surface of the arm d.

The metal extension A of the clip E is of such width as tofit snugly between the washers e and e, .and is provided with a nearly-circular transverse groove, a, having an opening, A, at the top sufliciently large to receive the narrow portion of the bolt 0.

When it is desired to make the coupling, the shafts or pole of the vehicle is raised to a vertical position over the opening A, thus bringing the bolt 0 in position to be readily inserted into the groove a. When the bolt has passed into the groove, the shafts are lowered and the bolt 0 of each shaft turns with it until its body rests into that of the groove on, and thus the shafts are locked in proper position.

The washers e and e perform a double function. They prevent rattling of the metal of the clip-extension A against the arm cl d of the thill-iron. and while taking the elliptical form of the bolt-body they clasp it tightly, and as they could not be removed from the bolt without again assuming the circular form of the threaded end, they consequently prevent the bolt from slipping off the forked end of the thill-iron, even if the nut G should accidentally come off. A single washer, as e,

may also accomplish the result; but I prefer to use two, as above stated.

I am aware that the clips of thin-couplings have been provided with sockets larger than the opening leading therein, and that the thillirons have been provided with rectangular or slightly-elliptical journals to enter the clipsockets and become secured therein by lowering the outer end of the shafts.

Having now described my invention, what I claim, and desire to secure by Letters Patent, 1s

The combination of the clip-extension A, provided with a socket, a, and a thill-iron having parallel arms d d, with a bolt having an elliptical body, and washers upon said bolt between the clip-extension and the arms of the thill-iron, substantially as and for the purposes described.

SAMUEL B. ULM. Witnesses:

O. G. SHEPHERD, F. G. JOHNSON. 

